NASHVILLE – Tennessee House Democrats are demanding majority GOP leaders agree to a vote on expanding the state’s Medicaid program as the Republican-dominated chamber prepares to convene Friday in a special legislative session to elect Cameron Sexton as the new speaker.
On Thursday, Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Stewart, of Nashville, denounced Republicans’ continued resistance to extend the health care program for the poor to some 300,000 Tennesseans under the federal Affordable Care Act, calling it “ridiculous.”
“As long as we’re here for a special session, as long as we’re spending the taxpayers’ dollars for political reasons, why don’t we do the people’s business and expand health care right now,” Stewart said.
All 26 Democrats in the 99-member House have signed a letter asking acting Speaker Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, to persuade Republicans to immediately reconvene in a second special session.
Only one of the GOP’s 73 members – Rep. Kelly Keisling, of Byrdstown – has signed on.
Sexton, meanwhile, is expected to easily win election to the chamber’s most powerful post, replacing former Speaker Glen Casada, R-Franklin, who resigned the leadership position Aug. 2 under pressure from fellow GOP lawmakers, as well as Republican Gov. Bill Lee, following multiple controversies.
Democrats at this point have not nominated one of their own for speaker and no one so far has stood up asking to be nominated. The caucus has no unit rule, which would bar them from crossing over and voting for a Republican, and at least some Democrats are expected to vote for Sexton.
Sexton, a 48-year-old Crossville lawmaker who recently stepped down as caucus chairman, said Thursday night that he believes the governor may be able to negotiate additional services and funding through the TennCare block grant request.
“We’re hopeful that through those negotiations, that maybe the governor might be able to negotiate a bit more in the block grant if we have control,” he said.
Democrats say the state has lost billions of dollars by not following most states, including Republican states such as Arkansas, and allowing the Medicaid expansion. Democrats and advocates claim the state’s refusal to expand, largely at federal expense, has shaken rural Tennessee and helped lead to closure of a number of small-town hospitals across the state.
Several Democrats also criticized Sexton, charging he is trying to derail their planned effort during the special session to try and bring up a resolution to expel Rep. David Byrd, R-Waynesboro, from the chamber.
The controversial Republican lawmaker and retired high school coach has been accused by three of his former female basketball players of sexual assault dating back nearly 30 years ago. Byrd has refused to discuss it publicly.
Sexton on Wednesday announced he is asking State Attorney General Herbert Slatery for legal guidance on whether the House can expel a member for conduct that occurred decades before his or her election.
Slatery is not expected to offer a formal legal opinion by the time lawmakers are expected to wrap up their one-day special session on Friday.
Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, who has been leading the charge on ousting Byrd, said seeking the opinion gives Republicans an excuse not to act.
Sexton said in a previous case where a member was expelled in a similar situation, it was because the representative was under indictment for bribery.
“What’s being proposed has never been done,” Sexton said. “It’s unprecedented. It’s uncharted territory and it’s a very complex issue. We want to make sure we have the ability to do what they’re asking, the authority, while also making sure” it’s legal and constitutional and “there’s no better place to go than the [attorney general].”
Lee, who has spoken with one of Byrd’s accusers and said he finds her credible, reiterated to reporters earlier in the day that Byrd needs to publicly address the allegations.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow him on Twitter @AndySher1.